Howden continues European expansion journey with launch in Italy

Howden, the international insurance broker, has taken a further step in the execution of its European strategy with the launch of Howden Italy and acquisition of Italian broker Andrea Scagliarini.

Establishing operations in Italy adds a further market to Howden’s growing European platform, enabling them to deliver service to both local and multinational clients supported by the full weight of Howden’s specialty offering.

The launch of Howden Italy comes just weeks after the appointment of Luigi Sturani and Enrico Nanni as CEO and CCO of Europe, respectively. It also reflects its ongoing strategy to set up ‘from-scratch’ operations, such as the recent launches in Belgium, Switzerland and Australia and empowering local teams to find strategic, culturally aligned acquisitions. Following this acquisition and recent country launches, Howden’s global footprint now spans over 40 territories worldwide.

Sturani said: "Scagliarini is a broker that I have long admired for its culture, reputation and focus on client excellence – a real Rolls Royce in the industry. For us, it represents a fantastic strategic fit and the perfect way to truly launch ourselves in Italy as a credible alternative with a difference.”

Following the deal, Matteo Scagliarini (pictured right) will continue as CEO of the company and Andrea Scagliarini (pictured right) will remain as chairman; both will join the Howden Italy board.

Andrea Scagliarini, founder and chairman, said: “We have been approached to sell our business on numerous occasions over many years, but we have always declined. Why? Because we value independence and employee ownership and we would only sell to a firm culturally aligned with our own. Watching Howden’s CEO speak at a conference last year and hearing how he talked about the culture and his own personal values, we knew then that we have found the right partner.”

Matteo Scagliarini, CEO added: “As a Howden One partner since 2017, we have felt like part of the family for many years. But it also means we know, understand and respect each other and share the same values and objectives. We are sure that by joining Howden, our company will be able to deliver ever more sophisticated risk solutions to our clients, with the same professionalism, accuracy and client-focused approach we have always had. Moreover, we will be in a yet better position to attract new talent and provide our people with unparalleled career opportunities. We are excited to be joining officially now and look forward to growing our future together.”

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